Benbrack is a typical quartzite peak in the Twelve Bens which is a little off the main routes. It boasts great views into the main range as well as to the coast to the west. There is a small lake to the west of the summit.

The quickest way up and down is probably from the north, parking in Kylemore Abbey car park (L74866 58148 A). Head back east along the main road (N59) for about 300m, turning south up a gated lane towards an old lime kiln, over the smaller Benbaun to the summit and returning the same way. This should take 2.5 to 3 hours. However a much more satisfying walk would be to return via Knockbrack, turning the walk into a mini horseshoe taking from 3-4 hours. On the descent from Knockbrack you should head west for about 300m before descending in a north westerly direction to a track which leads through the old Kylemore Farm back to the N59.

The hill can also be climbed as part of a longer circuit of the Glencorbet Valley starting from a number of points off the R344, such as L799 574 B. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/308/comment/5068/

Parked on the R344 at the entrance to a forestry plantation (799582 C), loads of room! It is a short walk to the quiet road into Glencorbet, crossing the Kylemore river and taking the rough track uphill to the left. From here it is a matter of heading off onto the hillside over wettish ground, the views are already stunning but i will leave a full description until later. After crossing a fence there are views across Kylemore Lough to the abbey at the foot of Duchruach. Point 392 m is reached in 1 1/4 hours, with views down into the isolated farm buidings and forestry deep into Glencorbet and ahead to Maolan and Benbrack. There is a slight drop (and a big hare) to a boggy col before climbing the grassy slopes of Maolan - the sights of Benfree and Benbaun across Glencorbet are captivating. From the small cairn it is worthwhile heading N to get views over to Klymore Abbey.
The gloriously rocky sight of Benbrack is now ahead ,as drop down past a pool complete with dragonfly and climb to the summit. The rocky top was reached in 2 1/4 hours, the couple of cairns are barely distinguishable from the more general rock. There is a beautiful panorama - N to the end of the Bens, Clare Island and Mweelrea, the Sheefrys, Bengorm, Partrys - E to the Mamturks - S to the rest of the Bens. I dropped down W to a beautiful little lough (764558 D) with golden rock at its shore and a gurgling stream leaving at its end, had a leisurely lunch stop on a glorious day. I headed S again to a small cairn overlooking the col with Muckanaght, there are 2 further small cairns on the 1/2 hour descent. I now had a very daunting looking climb up the steep looking N slopes of Muckanaght - see you there. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/308/comment/2530/

This party is at the summit of Benbrack looking towards Muckanaght (Meachanach). The view in this composite picture shows the coastline at Ballynakill Harbour to the right. To the right again and not shown would be Knockbrack (442m) part of a ridge that extends north west from Benbrack in the direction of Diamond Hill which is also visible from Benbrack. Note the relatively small amount of vegetation on the hard whitish quartzite underfoot. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/308/comment/698/

Another possible approach to Benbrack is via the Kylemore River valley at Glencorbet (see the Harvey map). Turn off the R344 and park at the 43 metre spot height, then follow the marked track up to Glencorbet. The picture shows the view up to Benbrack, taken from the river valley. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/308/comment/746/

August 2005...Left the car near Kylemore Abbey. Found Maolan a stiff grassy climb. But the work was over! There was no problem descending a little into the saddle, and then on to Binn Bhreac. We were on a short leash so we went back the way we came (fantastic views of Kylemore Lake with its fairytale abbey!). A better route would have involved a horseshore Maolan-Binn Bhreac-Cnoc Bhreac (as set out rather beautifully inPaddy Dillon's "Connemara" Walk No.26). From the summit of BB you will see into the heart of the range. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/308/comment/1953/

A rather warmer day than some of the other photos! I led this group up Benbrack in August 2003. In the background is Benbaun and the higher peaks of the Twelve Bens. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/308/comment/721/